Adapter for canister filling system and method for filling a gas canister

ABSTRACT

An adapter for a canister filling system includes a body having an opening that is shaped to enable insertion of a valve of a gas canister for holding a pressurized or liquefied gas, into an interior space of the body, leaving a sealed gap between at least a portion of a lateral aspect of the valve and an internal surface of the body facing the interior space; and at least one channel that is configured to conduct pressurized or liquified gas from a canister filling system into the sealed gap in the interior space, so as to reach one or more lateral exterior ports of the valve of the gas canister that open laterally to a longitudinal axis of a body of the gas canister, when the valve is inserted in the interior space, to facilitate filling of the gas canister with the pressurized or liquified gas through said one or more lateral exterior ports of the gas canister.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application is a U.S. patent Continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/403,035, which is a National PhaseApplication of International Patent Application PCT/IL2020/051185, filedNov. 16, 2020, claiming priority from International Patent ApplicationPCT/IL2020/050002, filed Jan. 1, 2020, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gas canisters, e.g., for use incarbonation machines. More particularly, the present invention relatesto an adapter for a canister filling system and a method for filling agas canister.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carbonation machines are commonly used in homes, offices, cafeterias,and other settings. A typical carbonation machine may be operated toinject carbon dioxide into water or another liquid that is in a bottlethat may be attached to the machine. Other types of carbonation machinesmay be configured to dispense carbonated beverages into cups or othercontainers.

The carbon dioxide gas that is injected into liquid to carbonate theliquid is typically provided in canisters of compressed or liquefiedgas. The carbonation machine includes a user-operable mechanism forreleasing gas from the cylinder and conducting the gas to the liquid tobe carbonated. Typically, operation of the gas release mechanism causesthe mechanism to open a valve of the cylinder. When the gas canister isinstalled in the carbonation machine, a valve head that includes thevalve is connected to a gas canister connector of the carbonationmachine.

When a cylinder has been emptied of gas, the empty cylinder may bereplaced with a full cylinder. This replacement is typically performedby a user of the machine. For example, a valve head of the cylinder maybe provided with exterior male threading which may be connected to thegas canister connector by screwing into interior threading of a socketof the connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, an adapter for a canister filling system, The adapter mayinclude a body comprising: an opening that is shaped to enable insertionof a valve of a gas canister for holding a pressurized or liquefied gas,into an interior space of the body, leaving a sealed gap between atleast a portion of a lateral aspect of the valve and an internal surfaceof the body facing the interior space. The body may also include atleast one channel that is configured to conduct pressurized or liquifiedgas from a canister filling system into the sealed gap in the interiorspace, so as to reach one or more lateral exterior ports of the valve ofthe gas canister that open laterally to a longitudinal axis of a body ofthe gas canister, when the valve is inserted in the interior space, tofacilitate filling of the gas canister with the pressurized or liquifiedgas through said one or more lateral exterior ports of the gas canister.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one channelcomprises at least one laterally oriented channel that is configured tobe in fluidic communication with said one or more lateral exterior portsof the valve when the adapter is attached to the filling head.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adapter may beconfigured to connect to a filling head of the filling system.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one channelcomprises a longitudinally oriented channel at a distal end that isconfigured to be in fluidic communication with a filling port when thedistal end is connected to the filling head.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adapter may furtherinclude a gasket configured to fluidically isolate an exterior surfaceof a plunger of the valve when the valve is inserted in the interiorspace from said at least a portion of the lateral aspect of the valve.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adapter may furtherinclude a pin actuator for actuating a plunger of the valve, when thevalve is inserted in the interior space.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the actuator pin isstatic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the static actuator pinextends inwardly into the interior space.

According to some embodiments of the invention, wherein the actuator pinis dynamic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the actuator pin ispositioned and movable within a bore in the body.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the bore extends form anexternal surface of the body to an internal surface facing the interiorspace.

According to some embodiments of the invention, there is provided amethod for filling a gas canister with pressurized or liquified gas froma canister filling system, the gas canister having a valve with one ormore lateral exterior ports located on at least a portion of a lateralaspect of the valve.

The method may include inserting a valve of the gas canister into aninterior space of a body of an adapter, leaving a sealed gap between atleast a portion of a lateral aspect of the valve and an internal surfaceof the body facing the interior space.

The method may also include conducting pressurized or liquified gas fromthe canister filling system into the sealed gap in the interior space,via at least one channel so as to reach one or more lateral exteriorports of the valve of the gas canister that open laterally to alongitudinal axis of a body of the gas canister, when the valve isinserted in the interior space.

The method may also include filling of the gas canister with thepressurized or liquified gas through said one or more lateral exteriorports of the gas canister.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the present invention to be better understood and for itspractical applications to be appreciated, the following Figures areprovided and referenced hereinafter. It should be noted that the Figuresare given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of theinvention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a gas canistervalve.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the gas canister valve shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a schematic sectional view of the gas canister valve shown inFIG. 1, when the valve is closed.

FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view of the gas canister valve shown inFIG. 1, when the valve is open.

FIG. 4A is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canistervalve with laterally oriented exterior ports, the connector including apair of solid gaskets.

FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a gasket of the connector shown inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canistervalve with laterally oriented exterior ports, the connector including apair of gaskets with U-shaped cross sections.

FIG. 4D schematically illustrates a gasket of the connector shown inFIG. 4C.

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canistervalve with laterally oriented exterior openings, the connector includingan inwardly curved gasket.

FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a gasket of the connector shown inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canistervalve with laterally oriented interior openings, the connector includingan outwardly curved gasket.

FIG. 5D schematically illustrates a gasket of the connector shown inFIG. 5C.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a gas canister and gas canister valvewith a circular projecting disk.

FIG. 7A shows a schematic cross section of a snap-in canister holder forholding the gas canister shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B schematically illustrates insertion of a canister into thesnap-in canister holder shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C schematically illustrates removal of a canister from the snap-incanister holder shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a gas canister and gas canister valvewith a noncircular lateral projection.

FIG. 8B schematically illustrates insertion of the gas canister shown inFIG. 8A into a canister holder of a carbonation machine.

FIG. 8C schematically illustrates a gas canister locked in the canisterholder shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9A schematically illustrates an example of a carbonation machinewith canister holder having a closable cover configured to raise thecanister into position when closed.

FIG. 9B schematically illustrates details of the lifting mechanism ofthe canister holder shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown inFIG. 9B, with the cover closed.

FIG. 10A schematically illustrates a canister holder of a carbonationmachine with a tiltable canister cradle that is configured to raise thecanister into position when closed.

FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown inFIG. 10A, with the canister cradle fully inserted.

FIG. 11A schematically illustrates a canister holder that includes abase that is configured to raise a gas canister into position whenrotated, the canister holder shown in a configuration that enablesinsertion or removal of a canister.

FIG. 11B schematically illustrates a canister holder shown in FIG. 11Awhen in a configuration in which a canister is locked into an operatingposition.

FIG. 12A schematically illustrates an example of a carbonation machinewith a canister holder having a handle that is raised to enableplacement of a gas canister.

FIG. 12B schematically illustrates placing a canister into the canisterholder shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown inFIG. 12B with the canister placed inside the holder.

FIG. 12D schematically illustrates a lifting mechanism of the canisterholder shown in 12C.

FIG. 12E schematically illustrates an example of a base of thecarbonating machine shown in 12B that is configured to tilt the canistervalve into the yoke after insertion of the canister in the base.

FIG. 13A schematically illustrates the carbonation machine shown in FIG.12A with the handle lowered to insert a gas canister into thecarbonation machine.

FIG. 13B schematically illustrates a canister inserted into thecarbonation machine shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a schematic sectional view of the canister inserted in thecarbonation machine in FIG. 13B.

FIG. 14A schematically illustrates a filling head adapter to enableconnection of a gas canister valve with laterally oriented exteriorports to filling head of a canister filling system.

FIG. 14B schematically illustrates a view of the canister valve adaptershown in FIG. 14A, showing a side of the adapter into which the canistervalve is insertable.

FIG. 14C is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valveadapter shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A schematically illustrates a canister valve adapter forplacement on canister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports toenable connection of the canister valve to a filling head of a canisterfilling system.

FIG. 15B is a schematic cross section of the canister valve adaptershown in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A schematically illustrates another filling head adapter toenable connection of a gas canister valve with laterally orientedexterior ports to a filling head of a canister filling system.

FIG. 16B schematically illustrates a view of the canister valve adaptershown in FIG. 16A, showing a side of the adapter into which the canistervalve is insertable.

FIG. 16C is a top view of the canister valve adapter shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the canister valveadapter shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16E is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valveadapter shown in FIG. 16A with the top of a gas canister inserted forfilling and held inside the adapter.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valveadapter with a static pin actuator.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valveadapter with a dynamic pin actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules,units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the invention.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “establishing”, “analyzing”,“checking”, or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) ofa computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or otherelectronic computing device, that manipulates and/or transforms datarepresented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within thecomputer's registers and/or memories into other data similarlyrepresented as physical quantities within the computer's registersand/or memories or other information non-transitory storage medium(e.g., a memory) that may store instructions to perform operationsand/or processes. Although embodiments of the invention are not limitedin this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used hereinmay include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms“plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification todescribe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters,or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments describedherein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence.Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elementsthereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point intime, or concurrently. Unless otherwise indicated, the conjunction “or”as used herein is to be understood as inclusive (any or all of thestated options).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a canisterholder of a carbonation machine, or of a canister filling system forfilling gas canisters for use with carbonation machines, is configuredto enable linear insertion of a valve of the gas canister into a socketof the canister holder so as to enable flow of gas (e.g., carbondioxide) between the gas canister and a machine or system that includesthe canister holder. Similarly, the holder is configured to enablelinear removal of the valve from the socket. As used herein, linearinsertion refers to insertion and connection to the socket that does notinclude multiple rotations of the canister to screwing threading on thegas canister (e.g., on the valve) into threading of the holder orsocket.

For example, a carbonation machine may be operable to open a valve ofthe gas canister to release the gas from the canister. The carbonationmachine includes an arrangement of one or more conduits that areconfigured to cause the released gas to flow to a carbonation head ofthe carbonation machine. A bottle or other container of a liquid such aswater may be attached to the carbonation head such that the released gasenters, and may carbonate, the liquid.

In this manner, insertion or replacement of a gas canister may befacilitated. Facilitation of canister insertion or removal may enablequick and simple replacement of a canister by unskilled users, withoutrisk of overtightening or otherwise risking damage to a seal between thecanister holder and the canister.

In one example, the canister holder may be configured to enable manual(or mechanically assisted) snapping an end of the canister, typically anend that includes a valve that is operable to release gas (e.g., carbondioxide) from the canister (or to enable filling of the canister from asource of gas). For example, slidable or retractable projections orteeth on the canister holder may be configured to engage one or morecorresponding projections from the canister. In another example,insertion may include insertion via an opening when the canister isoriented in one orientation (e.g., with a noncircular projection on thecanister aligned with a correspondingly noncircular opening on thecanister holder) and afterward rotating the canister to anotherorientation to hold the canister to the canister holder.

Alternatively or in addition, the canister holder, or a part of acarbonation machine (or canister filling system) that is associated withthe canister holder, may include a canister insertion mechanism thatcouples a canister insertion mechanism to a mechanism for connecting avalve of the canister to the connector of the canister holder.

For example, the canister insertion mechanism may include a handle(e.g., in some cases functioning as a door or cover) that is closed overthe canister after placement of a projection from the canister into ayoke. Closing the handle may lift the yoke and the projection, thusinserting the valve into the connector. In another example, the canistermay be placed in a tiltable cradle when the cradle is tilted outward.Tilting the cradle inward to an erect orientation may lift the canisterand insert the valve into the connector. In another example, thecanister may be placed (e.g., erect) on a base. Operating of amechanism, e.g., rotation of the base, may lift the canister so as toinsert the valve into the connector.

A gas canister valve that is configured for insertion into a carbonationmachine using an insertion motion (e.g., without multiple rotations ofthe gas canister in order to screw the valve into a canister holder ofthe carbonation machine) may be designed to avoid generation of thrustthat would tend to separate the canister valve from a connector of themachine. Accordingly, the valve may be designed, e.g., with ports forrelease of the gas aimed laterally and substantially equally spacedabout the perimeter of the valve (e.g., two ports on substantiallyopposite sides), to generate minimal (e.g., approximately zero) thrustin a direction away from the connector.

When the valve is connected to a canister holder of a carbonationmachine, a mechanism of the carbonation machine may be operated in orderto release gas from the canister. The released gas may flow to acarbonation head of the carbonation machine in order to carbonate liquidcontents of a bottle or other container that is connected to thecarbonation head, or that is otherwise configured to enable injection ofthe gas into the liquid.

Similarly, the gas canister valve is configured to enable connection ofthe valve to a canister holder of a filling head of a canister fillingsystem. When connected to the filling head, the canister filling systemmay be operated to fill the canister with pressurized or liquefied gas.

A proximal (e.g., to a connection of the gas canister valve to thecarbonation machine or filling system) end of a body of the gas canistervalve is configured to connect to the canister holder. A longitudinalaxis of the gas canister valve is considered to be an axis that passesthrough the gas canister valve along a direction of motion of anactivation mechanism of the valve (typically in the form of a slidablepoppet that is configured to slide along the longitudinal axis).

A distal end of the gas canister valve may be inserted into and attached(e.g., by threading, welding, or otherwise) to the gas canister. Thedistal end includes an interior canister port that is insertable into,and open to, the canister.

The body of the gas canister valve also includes two or more exteriorports that open laterally to the longitudinal axis (e.g., each orientedat an angle of at least 80°, and typically of at least 90°, from thedirection of the connection to the canister holder) of the valve, andare spaced at substantially equal angular intervals about (e.g., twoexterior ports substantially on opposite sides of) the (longitudinalaxis of) the canister body. The exterior ports are configured to enableescape of the gas from the canister when the valve is opened by a gasrelease mechanism of the valve is activated (e.g., by causing distalmotion of a poppet within the valve). When the valve is opened and thegas canister valve is connected to a canister holder of a fillingsystem, filling of the canister with pressurized or liquefied gas viathe exterior ports may be enabled.

The laterally equally spaced locations of the exterior ports may directany gas that escapes from the canister, whether by intentional operationof the gas release mechanism or otherwise, in equally spaced lateraldirections. As a result, the lateral thrust generated by release of thegas through one of the exterior ports may be opposed by the thrust thatis generated by release of the gas via the other exterior ports.

The laterally equally spaced arrangement of the exterior ports may beadvantageous over a typical arrangement in which the port releases thegas along the longitudinal direction. With a longitudinally arrangedport, the released gas may generate a thrust that tends to push thecanister away from its connection. Accordingly, with such alongitudinally arranged port, a connection that includes screwing thevalve into a threaded socket may be required. The thrust generated byrelease of gas via a lateral port or ports will not generate a forcethat tends to separate the gas canister from the canister holder becauseit is perpendicular to the direction of insertion or removal of the gascanister for the gas canister holder. Accordingly, a canister holder mayinclude a snap-in or other arrangement that does not include a threadedsocket. Therefore, connection and removal of a gas canister and valvewith a lateral port may be simpler than connection and removal of acanister and valve with a longitudinally arranged port.

Typically, the valve may be opened or closed by sliding a poppet along alongitudinal axis of the valve. Typically, when the poppet is sliddistally away from the canister holder, the valve is open, enablingfluid communication within the body of the valve between the interior ofthe canister via the canister port and the exterior ports. Conversely,when the poppet is slid proximally toward the canister holder, the valveis closed such that fluid communication between the exterior ports andthe interior of the canister is blocked. For example, a proximal end ofthe poppet may be pressed against a sealing gasket to prevent fluidcommunication between the canister port and the exterior ports. Openingthe valve enables inflow from a fluid source (e.g., of a canisterfilling system) to the canister via the exterior ports or outflow offluid from the canister via the canister port and the exterior ports(e.g., to a carbonation machine).

One or more types of sealing structure may be included in the gascanister valve to prevent flow of gas around the plunger. For example, across-section of a gasket that surrounds the plunger may be U-shaped.The opening of the U-shape may be oriented toward the interior of thecanister. Thus, when the plunger is moved to release gas from thecanister, the pressurized gas may fill the opening of the U-shapedgasket so as to push the walls of the gasket outward, reinforcing theseal around the plunger and preventing escape of the released gas aroundthe plunger.

A plunger for causing the poppet of the valve to slide distally isconfigured to be accessible to an activation mechanism, e.g., of acarbonation machine or canister filling system. Typically, the plungerincludes an exterior surface that may be contacted and operated by anactuation mechanism that is located in a canister holder, e.g., of acarbonation machine of a canister filling system. A proximal end of theplunger may include an exterior surface forming a pushbutton. Theproximal end of the plunger may be located within an indentation at theproximal surface of the gas canister valve. The indentation may preventaccidental pressing of the plunger, e.g., by a surface that is widerthan the indentation.

When a pushing force is applied to the proximal end of the plunger, theplunger may be moved distally, e.g., along an axis that is collinearwith the longitudinal axis of the poppet. A distal end of the plungermay be configured to contact and press against a proximal end of thepoppet when the plunger is pushed distally. Therefore, pushing thepushbutton at the proximal end of the plunger may push the poppetdistally to open the gas canister valve. For example, an activationmechanism of a carbonation machine or filling system may include anextendible rod or other component that may press the pushbutton at theproximal end of the gas canister valve. When the activation mechanismapplies a force that is at least as great as a predetermined force, thepoppet may be slid sufficiently distally in order to enable the fluidicconnection between the canister port and the exterior ports.

The plunger may be produced as a separate component from the poppet.Alternatively, the plunger may be manufactured as an integral part ofthe poppet, e.g., forming a proximal end of the poppet.

Typically, the gas canister valve also includes a restoring structure tomaintain the poppet in the (e.g., proximal) closed position when asufficiently large force is not applied to the exterior surface. Forexample, a spring may be configured to push the poppet proximally unlessthe force of the spring is overcome by a distal pushing force that isapplied to the poppet, e.g., via the plunger.

The gas canister valve may include structure to enable or facilitateholding of the gas canister by a canister holder, e.g., of a carbonationmachine or of a canister filling system. For example, the gas canistervalve may include one or more projections that may be fitted intocooperating structure, e.g., one or more grooves or slots, of thecanister holder. When the gas canister is held by the canister holder,the canister holder may be configured to connect the exterior ports ofthe gas canister valve to one or more conduits, e.g., that areassociated with the canister holder.

For example, a lateral projection in the form of a disk may extendlaterally outward, e.g., at or near a connection of the gas canistervalve to the gas canister. The disk may be configured for insertion intoa corresponding yoke of the canister holder. The disk may be inserted asa washer between the gas canister valve and the canister or may bemanufactured as an integral part of the gas canister valve or canister.

For example, the yoke may include U-shaped groove whose width issufficient to accommodate the thickness of the disk. When no gascanister is held by the canister holder such that the yoke is vacant,the disk of the gas canister may slide into the groove of the yoke. Whenthe disk is fully inserted into the yoke, a closing mechanism of thecanister holder may be operated to insert the proximal end of the gascanister valve into a cooperating connector associated with (e.g.,integral to or adjacent to) the canister holder. For example, theclosing mechanism may include a handle, lever, or otherforce-transmitting structure to lift the proximal end of the gascanister valve into a sealed socket of a carbonation machine or canisterfilling system. The operation of the closing mechanism may includeclosing a handle (e.g., functioning as a cover, door, or shutter) e.g.,that may at least partially cover the gas cylinder when it is connectedto the connector.

Alternatively or in addition, the yoke may include two or more teeth orarms that are extendible to grasp the disk when the gas canister valveis inserted into the connector.

Alternatively or in addition, a disk may be asymmetric. The asymmetrymay enable insertion of the asymmetric disk through a matchingasymmetric opening in a yoke when the asymmetric disk is aligned withthe asymmetric opening. Rotation of the asymmetric disk (e.g., by 90°)to an orientation where the asymmetric disk is no longer aligned withthe asymmetric opening may retain the asymmetric disk in the yoke. Inthis case, the closing mechanism may be configured to, in addition toinsertion of the proximal end of the gas canister valve into a sealedconnector, rotate the gas cylinder (e.g., by 90°) to retain theasymmetric disk in the yoke of the canister holder.

A connector for enabling flow of gas between the gas canister valve to acarbonation machine, canister-filling system, or other device mayinclude a socket that includes sealing structure. The sealing structuremay be configured to enable a fluid connection between the exteriorports of the gas canister valve and a gas conduit of the connector,while preventing leakage of gas in other directions. For example, thesealing structure may include two or more gaskets between which gas maybe flow between a conduit of the connector and the exterior ports of thegas canister valve. Alternatively or in addition, a gasket of thesealing structure may include one or more openings through which gas mayflow. The gasket may have a U-shape that may expand when filled withpressurized gas to further enhance the scaling.

In some cases, a filling head adapter may be attached to a filling headof a canister filling system in order to enable filling of gas canisterthat is provided with a gas canister valve with laterally orientedexterior ports. For example, the filling head adapter may provide afluidic path between a filling port of the canister filling system thatis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas canister and thelaterally positioned exterior ports of the gas canister valve. Thefluidic path may include one or more grooves, channels, tubes, or otherstructure to enable fluidic flow of pressurized gas (or liquefied gas)from the filling port of the canister filling system to the exteriorports of the gas canister valve. For example, the filling head adaptermay be bolted or otherwise attached to the filling head.

In some cases, a canister valve adapter may be attachable to a gascanister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports. Fitting acanister valve adapter onto the gas canister valve may enable filling ofthe gas canister by insertion of the canister valve adapter into afilling head of the canister filling system with an axial (longitudinal)filling port. The canister valve adapter is configured to provide afluidic path between a filling port of the canister filling system thatis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas canister and thelaterally positioned exterior ports of the gas canister valve.Typically, the fluidic path that is provided by the canister valveadapter includes a system of closed tubes or channels between thefilling port and the exterior ports of the gas canister valve.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a gas canistervalve. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the gas canister valveshown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is a schematic sectional view of the gascanister valve shown in FIG. 1, when the valve is closed.

Internal components of gas canister valve 10 are enclosed within valvebody 12. Typically, valve body 12 is made of brass or another metal. Anend of valve body 12 that includes canister port 14 is configured to beinserted into a gas canister 46. An interface between valve body 12 maybe sealed by gasket 34. Gas may flow from interior cavity 48 of gascanister 46 into central channel 15 via canister port 14 and gas filter36.

In order to enable controlled release of gas from gas canister 46 in theevent of overpressure, gas canister 46 is provided with burst disk 40.Burst disk 40 is held in place between burst disk plug 38 and valve body12. In the event of overpressure that is sufficient to rupture burstdisk 40, gas within central channel 15 may, after rupturing burst disk40, flow outward through burst disk plug 38 and escape to the ambientatmosphere via gas escape opening 39 in burst disk plug 38.

In some cases, disk 44 may be held between valve body 12 and gascanister 46. Disk 44 may be configured to fit into a corresponding slotor groove of a canister holder. Alternatively or in addition to disk 44,one or more projections that are integral to valve body 12 may extendlaterally out of valve body 12 to engage cooperating structure of thecanister holder. Alternatively or in addition, valve body 12 may includeone or more indentations that are configured to engage one or morecooperating projections of the canister holder.

When gas canister valve 10 is inserted into gas canister 46 and gascanister valve 10 is opened, gas from gas canister 46 may be releasedvia a pair of oppositely oriented exterior ports 16. In this way, thenet thrust generated by release of gas via the pair of exterior ports 16may be close to zero.

In some examples, a gas canister valve may include more than twooppositely oriented exterior ports 16. For example, the additional pairsof exterior ports 16 may be oriented to evenly distribute exterior ports16 about the perimeter of valve body 12.

When gas canister valve 10 is closed, as shown, valve poppet 18 ispressed by spring 20 against valve seat 24 of (e.g., in the form of acircular ridge that extends from the surface of) insert 22. Therefore,all fluidic connection between interior cavity 48 of gas canister 46 andexterior ports 16 is blocked.

Gas canister valve 10 may be opened by application of a pushing force toexterior surface 26 a of plunger 26. Exterior surface 26 a is exposedto, and is mechanically accessible to (e.g., may be pushed by), anactuator, e.g., of a carbonation machine or of a canister fillingsystem, to which gas canister valve 10 is connected. Typically, thepushing force may be applied by an activating rod that is locatedwithin, or is otherwise associated with, the canister holder. Exteriorsurface 26 a may be located within an indentation 27 at an exterior endof valve body 12. Location of exterior surface 26 a within anindentation 27 may prevent accidental or unintentional application of apushing force to plunger 26.

Applying a pushing force to exterior surface 26 a pushes plunger 26toward valve poppet 18. When the pushing force that is applied toexterior surface 26 a is sufficient to overcome the opposing force thatis exerted by spring 20 and by pressure of the gas within gas canister46, end 26 b of plunger 26 may push valve poppet 18 away from valve seat24.

When valve poppet 18 is no longer pressed against valve seat 24, gas maybegin to flow between valve poppet 18 and insert 22. For example, duringcarbonation, interior cavity 48 of gas canister 46 is assumed to befilled with pressurized or liquefied gas. When flow is enabled betweenvalve poppet 18 and insert 22, gas may flow outward via grooves 23 ofinsert 22 around seal housing 30 to exterior ports 16. The gas that isreleased via exterior ports 16 may then be directed by a connector to acarbonation head where the gas is injected into a liquid to becarbonated. On the other hand, when exterior ports 16 are connected to afilling system, pressurized or liquefied gas may be injected intoexterior ports 16, to flow inward around seal housing 30, via grooves 23of insert 22, and between insert 22 and valve poppet 18 via centralchannel 15 to interior cavity 48 of gas canister 46.

Gas may be prevented from escaping from gas canister valve 10 aroundplunger 26 (e.g., as in a typical prior art canister where the exteriorport is along the longitudinal axis of gas canister valve 10) by sealinggasket 28. In the example shown, sealing gasket 28 has an approximatelyU-shaped cross section, with the opening facing toward insert 22 and gascanister 46. Sealing gasket 28 is held in place by seal housing 30 andinsert retainer 32. Thus, pressure of gas from the direction of gascanister 46 may tend to widen the opening of sealing gasket 28, thusenhancing the seal preventing the escape of gas around plunger 26.Alternatively or in addition, sealing gaskets having other types ofcross sections (e.g., V-shaped, W-shaped, or another shape that enablesthe gas pressure to enhance the seal, or other shapes), or that are heldin place by other mechanisms, may be used.

FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view of the gas canister valve shown inFIG. 1, when the valve is open.

In the example shown, valve poppet 18 has been pushed into gas canistervalve 10 and has been separated from valve seating 24 to form gap 50between valve poppet 18 and insert 22. Accordingly, gas may flow throughgap 50 between central channel 15 and exterior ports 16. Gas isprevented from flowing around plunger 26, e.g., between plunger 26 andseal housing 30, by sealing gasket 28. Therefore, gas is constrained toflow between central channel 15 and exterior ports 16, in eitherdirection, via a path that includes grooves 23 and a space between sealhousing 30 and valve housing 12.

Gas canister valve 10 may be configured for insertion into one or moretypes of connectors that do not include threading for holding gascanister valve 10 and gas canister 46 to a canister holder. In addition,a connector for connecting to gas canister valve 10 may be configured toconduct gas to or from laterally oriented exterior ports 16.Accordingly, the connector may be configured to enable lateral flow ofgas between exterior ports 16 and a gas conduit (e.g., to thecarbonation head of a carbonation machine, or from a gas source of acanister filling system), while preventing the escape of gas in otherdirections.

The connector may be configured to exert a sufficiently low frictionforce on gas canister valve 10 to enable insertion of gas canister valve10 into the connector, and removal of gas canister valve 10 from theconnector. On the other hand, the connector is configured, when gascanister valve 10 is inserted into the connector, to enable gas flowbetween a conduit (e.g., of a carbonation machine or canister fillingsystem) and exterior ports 16.

FIG. 4A is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canistervalve with laterally oriented exterior ports, the connector including apair of solid gaskets. FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a gasket of theconnector shown in FIG. 4A.

Canister connector 52 is configured to enable insertion of gas canistervalve 10. Canister connector 52 is further configured to enable a fluidconnection between exterior ports 16 of gas canister valve 10 and gasconduit 54 of canister connector 52. For example, in a canisterconnector 52 of a carbonation machine, gas conduit 54 may connectcanister connector 52 to a carbonation head of the carbonation machine.In a canister connector 52 of a canister filling system, gas conduit 54may connect canister connector 52 to a gas source of the canisterfilling system. Although a single gas conduit 54 is shown, otherexamples of a canister connector may include two or more gas conduits54.

Canister connector 52 includes a socket 51 that includes sealingstructure in the form of a pair of solid gaskets 56 with a gap 58between the two solid gaskets 56. In the example shown, each solidgasket 56 is in the form of an O-ring with flattened annular faces 56 athat border gap 58. In other examples, each gasket may be hollow, orinclude a full or partial annular bore, or may have an exterior shapethat is rectangular or that otherwise differs from that of the exampleshown.

In the example shown, gas may flow between exterior ports 16 of gascanister valve 10 and gas conduit 54 of canister connector 52 via gap 58between solid gaskets 56.

FIG. 4C is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canistervalve with laterally oriented exterior ports, the connector including apair of gaskets with U-shaped cross sections. FIG. 4D schematicallyillustrates a gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4C.

Canister connector 53 is configured to enable insertion of gas canistervalve 10 and to enable a fluid connection between exterior ports 16 ofgas canister valve 10 and gas conduit 54 of canister connector 53.

Canister connector 53 includes a socket 51 that includes sealingstructure in the form of a pair of U-shaped gaskets 60. Each U-shapedgasket 60 has a U-shaped cross section that surrounds an opening 60 a.In the example shown, one of U-shaped gaskets 60 is inverted relative tothe other such that openings 60 a of U-shaped gaskets 60 are oriented toface one another. U-shaped gaskets 60 are separated by gap 58.

In the example shown, gas may flow between exterior ports 16 of gascanister valve 10 and gas conduit 54 via gap 58 between U-shaped gaskets60. The gas may fill openings 60 a. Therefore, the pressure of the gasmay tend to expand U-shaped gaskets 60 and open openings 60 a, thuspressing U-shaped gaskets 60 against surrounding structure to furtherprevent leakage of the gas.

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canistervalve with laterally oriented exterior openings, the connector includingan inwardly curved gasket. FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a gasket ofthe connector shown in FIG. 5A.

Canister connector 61 is configured to enable insertion of gas canistervalve 10 and to enable a fluid connection between exterior ports 16 ofgas canister valve 10 and gas conduit 54 of canister connector 61.

Canister connector 61 includes a socket 51 that includes sealingstructure in the form of a single U-shaped (or C-shaped) gasket 62.U-shaped gasket 62 has a U-shaped cross section that surrounds anopening 62 a. Opening 62 a of U-shaped gasket 62 opens inward, towardthe axis of symmetry of U-shaped gasket 62. The outward facing convexsurface of U-shaped gasket 62 is perforated by exterior opening holes64. In the example shown, U-shaped gasket 62 includes four evenly spacedexterior opening holes 64. In other examples, a U-shaped gasket 62 mayinclude less than or more than four exterior opening holes 64.

In the example shown, gas may flow between exterior ports 16 of gascanister valve 10 and gas conduit 54 of canister connector 61 viaexterior opening holes 64 in U-shaped gasket 62. The gas may fillopening 62 a. Therefore, the pressure of the gas may tend to expandU-shaped gasket 62 to further open opening 62 a, pressing U-shapedgasket 62 against surrounding structure to further prevent leakage ofthe gas.

FIG. 5C is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canistervalve with laterally oriented interior openings, the connector includingan outwardly curved gasket. FIG. 5D schematically illustrates a gasketof the connector shown in FIG. 5C.

Canister connector 65 is configured to enable insertion of gas canistervalve 10 and to enable a fluid connection between exterior ports 16 ofgas canister valve 10 and gas conduit 54 of canister connector 65.

Canister connector 65 includes a socket 51 that includes sealingstructure in the form of a single U-shaped (or C-shaped) gasket 66.U-shaped gasket 66 has a U-shaped cross section that surrounds anopening 66 a. Opening 66 a of U-shaped gasket 66 opens outward, awayfrom the axis of symmetry of U-shaped gasket 66. The inward facingconvex surface of U-shaped gasket 66 is perforated by interior openingholes 68. In the example shown, U-shaped gasket 66 includes four evenlyspaced interior opening holes 68. In other examples, a U-shaped gasket66 may include less than or more than four interior opening holes 68.

In the example shown, gas may flow between exterior ports 16 of gascanister valve 10 and gas conduit 54 of canister connector 65 viainterior opening holes 68 in U-shaped gasket 66. The gas may fillopening 66 a. Therefore, the pressure of the gas may tend to expandU-shaped gasket 66 to further open opening 66 a, pressing U-shapedgasket 66 against surrounding structure to further prevent leakage ofthe gas.

A canister holder may be provided with structure to hold an inserted gascanister 46. In particular, the structure may be configured to engagestructure that projects outward from gas canister 46, gas canister valve10, or both. The outwardly projecting structure may include a circularor otherwise shaped disk 44. In some cases, disk 44 may be constructedin the form of a washer that is held between gas canister valve 10 andgas canister 46 when gas canister valve 10 is attached to, typicallyscrewed into, gas canister 46.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a gas canister and gas canister valvewith a circular projecting disk.

In the example shown, disk 44 is circular and held between gas canister46 and gas canister valve 10.

FIG. 7A shows a schematic cross section of a snap-in canister holder forholding the gas canister shown in FIG. 6.

In the example shown, canister holder 70 is configured to enableinsertion of a gas canister by pressing an exterior end of gas canistervalve 10 (an end distal to gas canister 46) upward toward and intocanister connector 76. Although in FIG. 7 canister connector 76 is shownhaving a form similar to canister connector 61 (with a U-shaped gasket62), canister connector 76 may have a form similar to any of thecanister connectors described above, or another type of canisterconnector.

Canister holder 70 includes at least two slidable teeth 71. A resilientspring or other element (not shown) is configured to push each slidabletooth 71 inward, toward one another. Each slidable tooth 71 has a slopedsurface 71 a that faces outward from canister holder 70. Therefore, whena gas canister 46 with a disk 44 is pushed into (upward in FIG. 7)canister holder 70, disk 44 may push against sloped surface 71 a andcause each slidable tooth 71 to slide outward. The outward sliding ofslidable teeth 71 may enable insertion of gas canister valve 10 intocanister connector 76. Once disk 44 has been inserted past slidableteeth 71, the resilient element may push slidable teeth 71 inward. Theinward position of slidable teeth 71 may prevent outward movement ofdisk 44, thus holding gas canister 46 to canister holder 70. Theposition of slidable teeth 71 may be selected such that, when slidableteeth 71 slide inward after passage of disk 44, gas canister valve 10may be fully inserted into canister connector 76. A circular shape ofdisk 44 may enable insertion of gas canister 46 without having to holdgas canister 46 in a particular orientation (about its longitudinalaxis).

FIG. 7B schematically illustrates insertion of a canister into thesnap-in canister holder shown in FIG. 7A.

In the example shown, gas canister valve 10 of gas canister 46 may beinserted into canister connector 76 by moving gas canister valve 10toward canister connector 76 with upward motion 67 a. As gas canistervalve 10 is inserted into canister connector 76, slidable teeth 71 maybe pushed outward by disk 44. When gas canister valve 10 is fullyinserted into canister connector 76, slidable teeth 71 may snap inwardbelow disk 44 to secure disk 44, and thus gas canister 46, withincanister holder 70.

In the example shown, canister holder base 73 (e.g., of a carbonationmachine or of a canister filling system) includes an opening 75. Thus,gas canister 46 may be inserted so that the longitudinal axis of gascanister 46 and of gas canister valve 10 is aligned with upward motion67 a, with a lower end of gas canister 46 extending downward throughopening 75. Accordingly, gas canister 46 need only be translatedparallel to upward motion 67 a (e.g., without rotation of gas canister46) in order to insert gas canister valve 10 into canister connector 76.

FIG. 7C schematically illustrates removal of a canister from the snap-incanister holder shown in FIG. 7A.

In the example shown, disk 44 is secured to canister holder 70 byslidable teeth 71. In order to enable removal of gas canister 46 fromcanister holder 70, release mechanism 69 may be operated to causeoutward retraction of slidable teeth 71 to enable downward movement ofdisk 44 past slidable teeth 71. For example, release mechanism 69 mayinclude a pushbutton, lever, or other user operable component that, whenoperated, causes slidable teeth 71 to be retracted outward. Whenslidable teeth 71 are retracted, gas canister 46 may be removed fromcanister holder 70 by moving gas canister valve 10 away from canisterconnector 76 with downward motion 67 b.

Canister holder 70 may include a retraction mechanism that is operableby a user, e.g., by pressing a button or lever, to retract slidableteeth 71 to enable removal of gas canister 46 from canister holder 70.

Alternatively or in addition, a mechanism for holding a gas canister 46in a canister holder may be configured to cooperate with a noncircularasymmetric disk that is elongated along one axis.

FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a gas canister and gas canister valvewith a noncircular lateral projection.

In the example shown, noncircular lateral projection 72 is held betweengas canister 46 and gas canister valve 10. In the example shown,noncircular lateral projection 72 has the form of doubly truncatedcircle. In other examples, a noncircular lateral projection may haveanother noncircular shape.

FIG. 8B schematically illustrates insertion of the gas canister shown inFIG. 8A into a canister holder of a carbonation machine.

In the example shown, noncircular lateral projection 72 is in the formof a doubly truncated circle. In other examples, noncircular lateralprojection 72 may have any form that is not circularly symmetric. Forexample, noncircular lateral projection 72 may have a polygonal, oval,or other noncircular shape.

In the example shown, carbonation machine 63 includes a carbonation head81 and canister holder 74. Canister holder 74 includes a yoke 78 with anelongated opening 77. When the long dimension of noncircular lateralprojection 72 on gas canister 46 is aligned with elongated opening 77 ofyoke 78, gas canister 46 may be moved with linear motion 79 a until gascanister valve 10 is inserted into canister connector 76.

When gas canister valve 10 has been inserted into canister connector 76,gas canister 46 may be rotated about its axis with rotation motion 79 b(or with an opposite rotation). Rotation of gas canister 46 may rotatenoncircular lateral projection 72 by a sufficient angle such thatnoncircular lateral projection 72 is no longer aligned with elongatedopening 77. When so rotated, yoke 78 may prevent outward motion (e.g.,in the direction opposite to linear motion 79 a) of noncircular lateralprojection 72. Thus, gas canister 46 and gas canister valve 10 may belocked within canister holder 74 and canister connector 76.

In other examples, e.g., where a noncircular lateral projection hasanother shape, an opening of the yoke may be shaped to match the shapeof the noncircular lateral projection. Thus, when the noncircularlateral projection is aligned with the opening, the noncircular lateralprojection may be inserted into the opening. After insertion, gascanister 46 and the noncircular lateral projection may be rotated suchthat the opening and the noncircular lateral projection are no longeraligned. Therefore, after such rotation, the noncircular lateralprojection and the attached gas canister 46 cannot be removed from theyoke.

FIG. 8C schematically illustrates a gas canister locked in the canisterholder shown in FIG. 8B.

As shown in FIG. 8C, noncircular lateral projection 72 has been rotatedwith rotation motion 79 b (or its opposite) by approximately 90° suchthat the long dimension of noncircular lateral projection 72 isapproximately perpendicular to that of elongated opening 77. Thereby,gas canister 46 is locked within canister holder 74. In order to enableremoval of gas canister 46 from canister holder 74, gas canister 46 maybe rotated until the long dimension of noncircular lateral projection 72is aligned with that of elongated opening 77. When so aligned, gascanister 46 may be removed from canister holder 74 by pulling gascanister 46 in a direction opposite to that of linear motion 79 a.

In some examples, a canister holder may be configured to lift gascanister 46 when gas canister 46 is closed into the canister holder. Theclosing mechanism may include, for example, a handle (e.g., functioningas a door or other cover) that, in some examples, may at least partiallycover a cavity into which gas canister 46 is insertable, a tiltablecradle into which gas canister 46 is insertable, or a base on which gascanister 46 may stand.

FIG. 9A schematically illustrates a carbonation machine with a canisterholder having a closable cover configured to raise the canister intoposition when closed. FIG. 9B schematically illustrates details of thelifting mechanism of the canister holder shown in FIG. 9A.

When gas canister 46 with disk 44 (which may be circular, or may have arectangular or other polygonal shape, an oval shape, or another shape)is inserted into canister holder 90 of carbonation machine 63, disk 44may fit above, and may be held by, yoke 94. Canister cover 92 isconnected to yoke 94 by hinged lever mechanism 96 (or by anothermechanism, e.g., that includes one or more hinges, levers, gears,pulleys, or other mechanical components, that links motion of yoke 94 tothat of canister cover 92). Thus, when canister cover 92 is rotateddownward and inward (e.g., toward gas canister 46) to cover gas canister46, yoke 94 is lifted toward canister connector 76. When canister cover92 is fully closed, gas canister valve 10 may be fully inserted intocanister connector 76. When fully inserted, a user operating gas releasecontrol 97 (e.g., a pushbutton as in the example shown, or anotheruser-operable control) to cause an activation mechanism to operate gascanister valve 10 to release gas from gas canister 46.

FIG. 9C is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown inFIG. 9B, with the cover closed.

With canister cover 92 fully closed, gas canister valve 10 is fullyinserted into canister connector 76. In the example shown, activationrod 98 is positioned adjacent to plunger 26 of gas canister valve 10. Inthe example shown, when gas release control 97 is pressed, an activationmechanism pushes activation rod 98 against plunger 26. Continued pushingon activation rod 98 and plunger 26 may open gas canister valve 10 torelease gas from gas canister 46 via exterior ports into gas conduit ofcanister connector 76.

FIG. 10A schematically illustrates a canister holder of a carbonationmachine with a tiltable canister cradle that is configured to raise thecanister into position when closed.

A gas canister 46 with disk 44 (which may be circular, or may have arectangular or other polygonal shape, an oval shape, or another shape)may inserted into, or removed from, canister cradle 102 of canisterholder 100 of carbonation machine 63 when canister cradle 102 is tiltedoutward, as shown. Disk 44 of an inserted gas canister 46 may fit overyoke 94. It may be noted that, in the example shown, the function ofdisk 44 and yoke 94 may be to guide gas canister 46 to a correctposition on canister cradle 102. In other examples, canister cradle 102,gas canister 46, or both may have other structure for guiding placementof gas canister 46 in canister cradle 102.

Canister cradle 102 is connected to stationary structure of canisterholder 100 by hinged lever mechanism 104 (or by another mechanism, e.g.,that includes one or more hinges, levers, gears, pulleys, or othermechanical components). Therefore, when a gas canister 46 is insertedinto canister cradle 102 and canister cradle 102 is rotated inward (soas to tilt gas canister 46 upward until it is erect), canister cradle102 and gas canister 46 are lifted toward canister connector 76.

FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown inFIG. 10A, with the canister cradle fully inserted.

As shown, canister cradle 102 and gas canister 46 have been tiltedinward and are erect. Gas canister valve 10 is fully inserted intocanister connector 76 to enable operation of gas canister valve 10 byoperation of gas release control 97, activation mechanism 99, andactivation rod 98.

FIG. 11A schematically illustrates a canister holder that includes abase that is configured to raise a gas canister into position whenrotated, the canister holder shown in a configuration that enablesinsertion or removal of a canister.

Base 118 of canister holder 110 (e.g., of a carbonation machine or of acanister filling system) includes canister support platform 112. When inthe configuration shown, canister support platform 112 is sufficientlylow such that a gas canister 46 with its gas canister valve 10 may fitbetween canister support platform 112 and canister connector 76. In thisconfiguration, gas canister 46 may be inserted into canister holder 110or removed from canister holder 110.

Canister support platform 112 may be rotated in order to lift gascanister 46 such that gas canister valve 10 is inserted into canisterconnector 76. In the example shown, canister support platform 112 may berotated such that tab 114 on canister support platform 112 climbsincline 116 on base 118. Therefore, rotating canister support platform112 such that tab 114 is rotated toward the uppermost part of incline116 may lift gas canister 46 and gas canister valve 10 such that gascanister valve 10 is inserted into canister connector 76.

FIG. 11B schematically illustrates a canister holder shown in FIG. 11Awhen in a configuration in which a canister is locked into an operatingposition.

When, as in the example shown, gas canister valve 10 is inserted intocanister connector 76, the space between canister support platform 112and canister holder 110 has been decreased such that gas canister 46cannot be removed from canister holder 110. Rotation of gas canister 46such that tab 114 is rotated back toward the lowermost part of incline116 may lower canister support platform 112 such that the space betweencanister support platform 112 and canister connector 76 is sufficientlylarge to enable removal of gas canister 46 and gas canister valve 10from canister connector 76. In some cases, base 118 may includestructure to prevent accidental or unintentional lowering of canistersupport platform 112. For example, base 118 may include a latch or otherstructure that is configured to hold tab 114 at the uppermost part ofincline 116 until a release (e.g., an unlatching) mechanism is operated.

Canister holder 110 may include one or more other structures to securean inserted gas canister 46. For example, when gas canister 46 includesa disk 44, canister holder 110 may include slidable teeth 71 or otherstructure to hold disk 44 in place. When gas canister 46 includes anoncircular lateral projection 72, canister holder 110 may include ayoke 78 with an elongated opening 77. A canister holder 110 may includeother types of securing structure.

FIG. 12A schematically illustrates an example of a carbonation machinewith a canister holder having a handle that is raised to enableinsertion of a gas canister.

Handle 122 of carbonation machine 120 may be raised or lowered byrotation about axis 127. In carbonation machine 120, yoke 94 is coupledto handle 122 by a lifting mechanism (visible in FIG. 12D). When handle122 is raised, as in the example shown, yoke 94 is lowered away fromcanister connector 76. The space between yoke 94 and canister connector76 is sufficient to enable placement of a gas canister valve 10 betweenyoke 94 and canister connector 76.

FIG. 12B schematically illustrates placing a canister into the canisterholder shown in FIG. 12A.

As shown, opening 124 in base 128 of carbonation machine 120 enablesplacement of a bottom end of gas canister 46 (e.g., an end of gascanister 46 that is opposite the end to which gas canister valve 10 isattached) into opening 124. Rotation of gas canister valve 10 towardyoke 94 (as indicated by arrow 123) may place disk 44 (or other lateralprojection from gas canister 46) above yoke 94.

Opening 124 may be configured to align a gas canister 46 that is placedinto opening 124 with canister connector 76. For example, the alignmentmay include orienting an axis of gas canister 46 to be parallel with anaxis of canister connector 76, and laterally aligning the axes such thatgas canister 46 is coaxial with canister connector 76.

FIG. 12C is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown inFIG. 12B with the canister placed inside.

In the example shown, a partially raised floor region 124 a of opening124 is designed to present an uneven floor surface 129 so as to causegas canister 46 to independently tilt towards the yoke, and lean on theinternal radius of the yoke, thereby aligning with the socket of thecanister connector 76.

Raised floor region 124 a covers part of (e.g., an arced segment of) thespace of opening 124. The remainder of opening 124 may include a lowerregion 124 b. In the example shown, opening 124 has no floor in lowerregion 124 b. In other examples, raised floor region 124 a may be raisedabove a floor of lower region 124 b.

The area of raised floor region 124 a is shaped and sized such that thecenter of gravity of gas canister 46 (typically along or near canistercylinder axis 131) is over lower region 124 b. As a result, when gascanister 46 is placed in opening 124, gravity may rotate gas canister 46to lean against the internal radius of the yoke and align with (e.g., asocket of) canister connector 76.

It may be noted that, although an opening 124 with raised floor region124 a is shown and described in connection with carbonation machine 120,a raised floor region 124 a may be incorporated into other examples(e.g., the examples shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11).

FIG. 12D schematically illustrates a lifting mechanism of the canisterholder shown in 12C. FIG. 12E schematically illustrates an example of abase of the carbonating machine shown in 12B that is configured to tiltthe cylinder valve into the yoke after insertion of the cylinder in thebase.

As shown, disk 44 of gas canister 46 is resting on yoke 94. Pin 125 isattached to handle 122 and is inserted into slot 121 on yoke 94.Lowering of handle 122 by rotation about axis 127 rotates pin 125outward from carbonation machine 120. Slot 121 is curved (as in theexample shown) or slanted or is otherwise non-horizontal andnon-vertical such that an outer end of slot 121 is lower than an innerend of slot 121. Accordingly, the outward rotation of pin 125 due tolowering of handle 122 exerts an upward force on slot 121 and yoke 94.Therefore, lowering of handle 122 may raise yoke 94, and a gas canister46 that is placed on yoke 94, toward canister connector 76.

FIG. 13A schematically illustrates the carbonation machine shown in FIG.12A with the handle lowered to insert a gas canister into thecarbonation machine.

As shown, handle 122 has been fully lowered. Therefore, yoke 94 is fullyraised toward canister connector 76.

FIG. 13B schematically illustrates a canister inserted into thecarbonation machine shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13C is a schematic sectionalview of the canister inserted in the carbonation machine in FIG. 13B.

As shown, handle 122 has been lowered over gas canister 46. In somecases, when handle 122 is fully lowered, handle 122 may provide furthershielding or protection to the connection between gas canister valve 10and canister connector 76.

As a result of the lowering of handle 122, hinged lever mechanism 96lifts gas canister valve 10 into canister connector 76. Therefore,operation of gas release control 97 and activation mechanism 99 mayoperate gas canister valve 10 to release gas from gas canister 46 toflow to a carbonation head of carbonation machine 120.

After insertion of gas canister 46 into carbonation machine 120,canister cover 126 may be inserted into base 128 and closed.

FIG. 14A schematically illustrates a filling head adapter to enableconnection of a gas canister valve with laterally oriented exteriorports to filling head of a canister filling system. FIG. 14Bschematically illustrates a view of the canister valve adapter shown inFIG. 14A, showing a side of the adapter into which the canister valve isinsertable. FIG. 14C is a schematic cross sectional view of the canistervalve adapter shown in FIG. 14A.

Filling head adapter 150 comprises a body 101, formed in a predeterminedshape, e.g., a cylinder, or other form, and may be mounted on a fillinghead of a canister filling system. For example, the filling head, priorto mounting of filling head adapter 150, may be designed to enableinsertion of a canister valve in which the exterior port of the valve isoriented along, or parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the canister.Mounting of filling head adapter 150 on the filling head provides afluidic path between a longitudinally oriented filling port of thefilling head and the laterally oriented exterior ports 16 of thecanister valve.

For example, filling head adapter 150 may include mounting structure 156(e.g., holes as in the example shown, threading, or one or morebrackets, projections, or other structure), to enable or facilitatemounting of filling head adapter 150 onto the filling head. In theexample shown, mounting filling head adapter 150 onto the filling headmay include inserting bolts, screws, rivets, clips, or other mountingelements through mounting structure 156 and into the filling head.Sealing structure (e.g., an O-ring, sealing disk, or other sealingstructure) may be mounted, e.g., within sealer groove 154, betweenfilling head adapter 150 and the filling head.

When filling head adapter 150 is mounted on the filling head, a fluidicpath may be formed between a filling port of the filling head andexterior ports 16 of a canister valve that is inserted into interiorspace 160 of filling head adapter 150, which is accessible via opening103 located at a side of the adapter designed to receive the canister(e.g., at the bottom). When the canister valve is inserted into interiorspace 160, valve seal 166 (e.g., an O-ring as shown, or a sealing diskor other sealing structure) may prevent leakage of gas to a space withininterior space 160 that is in fluidic contact with plunger 26 of thecanister valve. Canister limiting structure 161 may facilitate properpositioning of gas canister 46 and the canister valve within interiorspace 160. In some cases, canister seal 168 (e.g., an O-ring or othertype of seal) may prevent or inhibit leakage of gas to the outside ofinterior space 160 between gas canister 46 and filling head adapter 150.

When the canister valve is inserted into interior space 160 of fillinghead adapter 150, pressurized gas (e.g., in gaseous or liquefied form)may be released from the canister filling system via a longitudinallyoriented filling port. The lateral channel 152 of filling head adapter150 may be located so as to be in fluidic connection with the fillingport. A seal between lateral channel 152 and the filling head, e.g.,within sealer groove 154, may prevent or impede leakage or any otherflow of the gas other than along lateral channel 152. The releasedpressurized gas may flow laterally from the filling port along lateralchannel 152 to one or more longitudinal channels 162, e.g., at one ormore ends of lateral channel 152. The pressurized gas may flow intofilling head adapter 150 via each longitudinal channel 162 to a radialchannel 164, each of which is oriented radially or otherwise laterallywithin filling head adapter 150. The pressurized gas may flow laterallyinward within each radial channel 164 to exterior ports 16 of thecanister valve. Valve seal 166 and canister seal 168 may facilitate theflow of pressurized gas from radial channels 164 into exterior ports 16.

Indentations 158 may facilitate holding of filling head adapter 150,e.g., when mounting to the filling head. Bores 159 in indentations 158may also facilitate drilling, machining, or otherwise forming radialchannels 164.

In some examples, a tube may form a fluidic connection between thefilling port of the filling head to a bore 159 of filling head adapter150.

Canister filling machine 180 may be a component of a canister fillingsystem. Canister filling machine 180 is configured to fill a gascanister 46 whose gas canister valve 10 is inserted into filling headadapter 150 with compressed (e.g., liquefied) gas from a gas source (notshown). For example, canister filling machine 180 may be controllable byan automatic (e.g., computerized) control system or a manually. The gasmay flow in a controlled manner to filling head adapter 150 via fillinghead 184. For example, filling head 184 may include various regulationand control units, such as electrically controllable valves (e.g.,solenoid valves), pressure transducers, or other control units. Canisterfilling machine 180 may include monitoring and control components 186,e.g., including a shutoff valve and a mass flow meter.

Canister filling machine 180 may include canister-loading assembly 182.In the example shown, canister-loading assembly 182 includes a linearconveyor 188 that is configured to convey an upright (e.g.,substantially vertical with gas canister valve 10 oriented upward) gascanister 46 to along a linear track to a position below filling headadapter 150 and filling head. When gas canister 46 is positioned belowfilling head adapter 150, linear piston 190 may lift gas canister 46 sothat gas canister valve 10 is inserted into filling head adapter 150. Inother examples, the orientations of at least some components of thecanister filling machine and the canister-loading assembly may beinverted. In this case, the loading assembly may be configured to loweran inverted gas canister 46 to insert gas canister valve 10 into afilling head adapter 150 below the gas canister 46. In other examples,gas canister valve may be pushed horizontally or in another orientationinto filling head adapter 150.

FIG. 15A schematically illustrates a canister valve adapter forplacement on canister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports toenable connection of the canister valve to a filling head of a canisterfilling system. FIG. 15B is a schematic cross section of the canistervalve adapter shown in FIG. 15A.

Canister valve adapter 170 is configured for placement over andattachment to a canister valve that includes laterally oriented exteriorports 16. Canister valve adapter 170 may then enable filling of a gascanister 46 to which the canister valve is attached by a filling headwhose filling port is oriented longitudinally.

In the example shown, canister valve adapter 170 includes body 171 andis assembled from two components, canister valve fitting 151 and fillinghead fitting 172. In the example shown, canister valve fitting 151 andfilling head fitting 172 are attached to one another by threading 176.Sealing between longitudinal channel 174 of filling head fitting 172 andlateral channel 152 of canister valve fitting 151 may be provided by aseal (e.g., O-ring, gasket, or other sealing structure) that is placedwithin sealer groove 154. In other examples, filling head fitting 172may be attached to canister valve fitting 151 by welding or soldering,or by using one or more bolts, screws, pins, clips, adhesives, or otherattachment structure. Indentations 178 may facilitate assembly orhandling during use.

Filling head fitting 172 is shaped to enable canister valve adapter 170to fit into a filling head of a canister filling system. For example, atleast a distal (to gas canister 46) end of filling head fitting 172 maybe shaped similarly to a distal end of a canister valve with alongitudinal exterior port at its distal end. When canister valveadapter 170 is placed on a canister valve, the distal end of thecanister valve may fit within interior space 160 within canister valvefitting 151, after insertion via opening 173. Valve seal 166 (e.g., anO-ring as shown, a sealing disk, or other sealing structure) may preventleakage of pressurized gas to a space within interior space 160 that isin fluidic contact with plunger 26 of the canister valve. Canister seal168 may prevent leakage of pressurized gas at the interface between

Canister valve fitting 151 is constructed similarly to filling headadapter 150, as described above. When canister valve adapter 170 isinserted into the filling head of a canister filling system,longitudinal channel 174 within filling head fitting 172 may be influidic connection with the filling port of the filling head.Pressurized gas may therefore flow from the filling port, vialongitudinal channel 174, to lateral channel 152 of canister valvefitting 151. The pressurized gas may flow within canister valve fitting151 via each longitudinal channel 162 to a radial channel 164, each ofwhich is oriented radially or otherwise laterally within canister valvefitting 151. The pressurized gas may flow laterally inward within eachradial channel 164 to the laterally oriented exterior ports 16 of thecanister valve. Valve seal 166 and canister seal 168 may facilitate theflow of pressurized gas form radial channels 164 into exterior ports 16.

FIG. 16A schematically illustrates another filling head adapter toenable connection of a gas canister valve with laterally orientedexterior ports to a filling head of a canister filling system.

FIG. 16B schematically illustrates a view of the canister valve adaptershown in FIG. 16A, showing a side of the adapter into which the canistervalve is insertable.

FIG. 16C is a top view of the canister valve adapter shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16D is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valveadapter shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16E is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valveadapter shown in FIG. 16A with the top of a gas canister inserted forfilling and held inside the adapter.

Filling head adapter 200 may include body 201, having a cylindrical formor other form, and be mounted on a filling head of a canister fillingsystem. For example, the filling head, prior to mounting of filling headadapter 200, may be designed to enable insertion of a canister valve viaopening 203 in body 201, which may be located, for example, at thebottom of body 201. When inserting the canister valve into adapter 200the exterior port of the valve may be oriented along, or parallel to,the longitudinal axis of the canister. Mounting of filling head adapter200 on the filling head provides a fluidic path between a longitudinallyoriented filling port of the filling head and the laterally orientedexterior ports 16 of the canister valve.

For example, filling head adapter 200 may include mounting structure 256(e.g., holes as in the example shown, threading, or one or morebrackets, projections, or other structure), to enable or facilitatemounting of filling head adapter 200 onto the filling head. In theexample shown, mounting filling head adapter 200 onto the filling headmay include inserting bolts, screws, rivets, clips, or other mountingelements through mounting structure 256 and into the filling head.Sealing structure (e.g., an O-ring, sealing disk, or other sealingstructure) may be mounted, e.g., within sealer groove 254, betweenfilling head adapter 200 and the filling head.

When filling head adapter 200 is mounted on the filling head, a fluidicpath may be formed between a filling port of the filling head andexterior ports 16 of a canister valve that is inserted into void 260 offilling head adapter 200, and plunged into internal space 262. When thecanister valve is inserted into internal space 262 (in this figure onlythe valve body 12 of the canister is shown for brevity), valve seal 266(e.g., an O-ring as shown, or a sealing disk or other sealing structure)seals interior space 262 at an opening through which the top of thecanister valve is inserted, preventing leakage of gas from that space toambient air. Canister limiting structure 261 may facilitate properpositioning of gas canister 46 and the canister valve within interiorspace 262 and void 260.

When the canister valve is inserted into internal space 262 of fillinghead adapter 200 (in this figure and the following figures only thevalve body 12 of the canister is shown for brevity), pressurized gas(e.g., in gaseous or liquefied form) may be released from the canisterfilling system via a longitudinally oriented filling port. The bore 274of filling head adapter 200 may be located so as to be in fluidicconnection with the filling port. A seal may surround bore 274 and thefilling head, e.g., within sealer groove 254, to prevent or impedeleakage or any other flow of the gas other than along bore 274 intosealed void 260. The released pressurized gas may flow into sealedinterior space 262 and fill it, surrounding the canister valve, e.g.,within the space defined between the canister valve and internal space262, filling groove 263, surrounding the canister valve at the locationof the inlet of and filling the canister through the laterally orientedexternal ports 16.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valveadapter with a static pin actuator. Adapter 300 may include body 301(e.g., cylindrical body, bot an adapter body of other forms may also beused). Adapter 300 is essentially very similar to the adaptor shown inFIGS. 14A-14C, but is further provided with static actuator pin 280extending inwardly into interior space 160, protruding from an internalsurface facing the interior space 160 and located opposite theanticipated position of plunger 26 of the canister valve, when thecanister is inserted into the adapter (via opening 303), so that whenproperly placed inside the adapter and held in position, static actuatorpin 280 presses plunger 26 into the valve body, depressing valve poppet18 and thus facilitating flow of gas into the canister.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valveadapter with a dynamic pin actuator. Adapter 400 may include body 401that may be provided in cylindrical form or other forms. Adapter 400 isessentially very similar to the adaptor shown in FIG. 17, but in theembodiment shown in this figure the actuator pin 290 is a dynamicactuator pin. Dynamic actuator pin 290 is positioned within a bore 294extending from an external surface adapted to be face and cooperate withthe filling head of the filling machine and an internal surface facingthe interior space 160. The dynamic actuator pin 290 may be movablewithin the bore, and may be longer than the length of the bore so thatthe opposite ends of the dynamic actuator opposite ends protrude fromopposite sides of bore 294. Seal 292 (e.g., an O-ring as shown, or asealing disk or other sealing structure) may be used to ensure thatinterior space 160 is properly sealed. When adapter 400 is attached tothe filling head, the filling head (e.g., an outside surface orprotrusion) is configured to depress dynamic actuator pin 290 so thatwhen the canister valve is inserted (via opening 403) and properlyplaced inside the adapter, dynamic actuator pin 290 actuates plunger 26to aid the flow of gas into the canister.

The use of an actuator pin (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17 and in FIG. 18)eliminates the need for the filling pressure to overcome the opposingforce of the spring 20 that energizes poppet 18 allowing lower fillingpressures then filling pressures that would be required to move thepoppet 18.

According to some embodiments of the invention filling methods forfilling a gas canister, e.g., a CO2 canister for use in a carbonationmachine, are provided.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a filling head adaptermay be removably coupled to a filling head of a canister filling system,and/or be an integral part of the canister filling system.

Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certainembodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus,certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multipleembodiments. The foregoing description of the embodiments of theinvention has been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated bypersons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations,substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of theabove teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

While certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, andequivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is,therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the invention.

1. An adapter for a canister filling system comprising: a bodycomprising: an opening that is shaped to enable insertion of a valve ofa gas canister for holding a pressurized or liquefied gas, into aninterior space of the body, leaving a sealed gap between at least aportion of a lateral aspect of the valve and an internal surface of thebody facing the interior space; and at least one channel that isconfigured to conduct pressurized or liquified gas from a canisterfilling system into the sealed gap in the interior space, so as to reachone or more lateral exterior ports of the valve of the gas canister thatopen laterally to a longitudinal axis of a body of the gas canister,when the valve is inserted in the interior space, to facilitate fillingof the gas canister with the pressurized or liquified gas through saidone or more lateral exterior ports of the gas canister.
 2. The adapterof claim 1, wherein the at least one channel comprises at least onelaterally oriented channel that is configured to be in fluidiccommunication with said one or more lateral exterior ports of the valvewhen the adapter is attached to the filling system.
 3. The adapter ofclaim 1, configured to connect to a filling head of the filling system.4. The adapter of claim 3, where the at least one channel comprises alongitudinally oriented channel at a distal end that is configured to bein fluidic communication with a filling port when the distal end isconnected to the filling head.
 5. The adapter of claim 1, furthercomprising a gasket configured to fluidically isolate an exteriorsurface of a plunger of the valve when the valve is inserted in theinterior space from said at least a portion of the lateral aspect of thevalve.
 6. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a pin actuator foractuating a plunger of the valve, when the valve is inserted in theinterior space.
 7. The adapter of claim 6, wherein the actuator pin isstatic.
 8. The adapter of claim 7, wherein the static actuator pinextends inwardly into the interior space.
 9. The adapter of claim 6,wherein the actuator pin is dynamic.
 10. The adapter of claim 9, whereinthe actuator pin is positioned and movable within a bore in the body.11. The adapter of claim 10, wherein the bore extends form an externalsurface of the body to an internal surface facing the interior space.